Tuesday, October 20, 2015

17 October, RSC, Waterford

Blues 0, UCD 1The curtain finally came down at the end of a very difficult season for the
Blues when UCD arrived in town and took three points home after an entertaining
encounter at the RSC last Saturday evening and once again it is correct to say
that the Blues well deserved something out of this game. Wouldn’t life be so
simple if everyone got what they deserved? For a start the Blues would be mid
table.
The visitors had little to play for, their minds more likely to have been on
the upcoming play-off games with Finn Harps and possibly beyond but for the
Blues there was plenty to play for – not the least of which was the small
matter of pride. Add in the incentive of not finishing bottom – Cabinteely had
conceivably a much easier game at home to Athlone on the same night and could
have changed places with the Blues. And of course there were players playing
for a place in Roddy’s squad for next season when the great plan is rolled out.
The first half saw lots of end to end play but little penetration by either
side….no goals. Robert Birdsall made a few vital saves including a top drawer double early on. Aaron O'Connor had the best chance for the Blues during the first half but his shot went narrowly wide of the upright.
The game was livelier after the break as the Blues began to gain an upper hand
across the middle of the park. Several chances on goal were wasted and the
inevitable happened when the visitors took the lead after 65 minutes when UCD
centre back Michael Leavy headed home, having got the better of his opposite number
Shane Mackey in meeting a corner from the right. Undeserved it certainly was
but when you are on the bottom………!
The Blues continued to press on goal for the remainder of the game and
strangely, as has happened several times this season including the away game
against Shels recently, they carved out some good chances in the closing
minutes & injury time, during which the could easily have notched no fewer
than three goals. Anthony McAlavey’s shot that hit the crossbar and went over
would have challenger for goal of the season had it been six inches lower.
Other to miss the target were the Galvin boys and Adam Prendergast.

Shane Dineen was probably the stand for the Blues out on the night.The game was played out before a very poor attendance in
perfect conditions, so untypical of October in this country. Closer to summer than autumn. The match
officials did well.No more senior team games for several months – diehards
will find the long wait difficult but all will hope that when the new season
comes round, a new squad will have been assembled in accordance with the great
plan....one that will finally deliver a real hope of the Blues getting back to
the head table of Irish football.C’mon the Blues!Blues: Robert Birdsall (Matt Connor 45), Robbie Buckley (Dean Reidy 58), Shaun Corcoran, Shane Dineen, Shane Mackey, Brian Nolan, Anthony McAlavey, Evan Galvin, Cory Galvin, Adam Prendergast, Aaron O’Connor (Ethan Boyle 65). Subs unused: Mark Walsh